By Jamesetta D. Williams
MONROVIA – Deputy Minister of Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Daniel O. Sando, has launched a sharp and unflinching response to recent criticisms from high-profile former officials, including Nobel laureate Leymah Gbowee and a former Associate Justice. Sando described the attacks as misleading, unfair, and politically motivated, while reaffirming the Unity Party government’s commitment to transparency, democratic leadership, and rule of law.
During a MICAT press briefing in Monrovia, Sando acknowledged that every Liberian has the right to critique government policies, but insisted that such criticism must be grounded in truth, objectivity, and a sincere desire to see the country progress—not driven by bitterness or personal regrets.
“We respect every citizen’s right to critique public policy,” Sando stated, “but such criticism must be grounded in truth, objectivity, and a genuine desire to move the nation forward.”
Sando specifically addressed Leymah Gbowee’s recent interview with New Narratives, in which she accused the Boakai administration of breaking promises made during the 2023 election campaign. He slammed the peace activist’s comments as biased and lacking sincerity.
He went further to rebuke what he called a false equivalence between the current administration and its predecessor, describing the CDC-led government as a “den of thieves” responsible for corruption, public funds mismanagement, misuse of state resources, unexplained killings, and widespread insecurity.
“It is unfair and dishonest to compare this administration with one that plunged the nation into a governance nightmare,” Sando said. He emphasized that unlike the past, the current government is making decisive moves to uphold integrity, citing the recent suspension of officials for failing to declare their assets as evidence of its anti-corruption stance.
He also pointed to Liberia’s historic election to the United Nations Security Council as a strong symbol of renewed international trust and recognition of the Boakai administration’s leadership.
While reiterating the government’s respect for freedom of speech, Sando warned critics, especially former officials, against using their platforms to misrepresent government efforts out of political disappointment or personal vendettas.
“Public discourse must be constructive and not driven by personal regrets or vendettas,” he cautioned. “We invite all stakeholders to contribute to building a stronger Liberia.”
The Deputy Minister concluded with a call for national unity and constructive engagement, stressing that the government welcomes scrutiny—but expects it to be fair, balanced, and in the national interest.
